Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cocktail Recipe with and without alcohol

A warm and indulgent drink perfect for the holidays. Get the recipe for peppermint hot chocolate below and learn how to make this simple drink for your next celebration. Watch the video to see just how quickly this recipe comes together.

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A warm drink like this special hot chocolate is ideal for cold days and perfect for a holiday celebration. I’m going to show you how to make a rich and delicious hot chocolate from scratch using just a few simple ingredients. You can enjoy this single serve any time you like, or make a big batch to serve to your family and friends.

Hot cocoa from a packet is fine in a pinch, but once you taste it homemade you won’t want to go back. Hot chocolate from scratch requires 3 simple ingredients; milk, chocolate chips and vanilla. Then you can add toppings and mix ins to create your own special flavor.

This recipe for for white hot chocolate, but the recipe is the same no matter what type of chocolate you choose.

How to choose chocolate chips

In a small pot over medium heat you will combine milk and chocolate, the detailed recipe is below. There are a lot of types of chocolate chips to choose from, it can be a little overwhelming. Here are a few suggestions.

  • Choose a high quality chocolate like Ghirardelli Chocolate Chips. These chips are going to provide a smooth texture with a rich taste.
  • For a sweeter taste opt for milk chocolate chips, and for a richer deeper flavor try dark chocolate.
  • For this recipe, go with white chocolate chips for a smooth and mild taste that blends perfectly with peppermint.

The milk in your hot chocolate can be key in creating a rich drink. I chose to use skim milk because it is what my family likes and it lightens up this drink just a bit. 2% or whole milk will result in a more dense drink.

Hot Chocolate Toppings

How you top your hot chocolate is all about personal preference. Load it up or keep it simple, this basic recipe can be made your own. Better yet, provide cups of hot chocolate and let your family and friends add their own toppings. Set up a hot chocolate bar complete with bowls of marshmallows, sprinkles, candy canes and more.

For this Christmas recipe I topped the peppermint white hot chocolate with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and a candy cane. The candy cane melts in the warm drink to add even more peppermint flavor.

Hot chocolate can be made with our whiteout alcohol. If you choose to add alcohol, try peppermint vodka and add a little to each glass and gently stir.

White hot chocolate square

Peppermint White Hot Chocolate

Yield: 4
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes

A creamy white hot chocolate drink spiked with peppermint. Try this recipe with or without alcohol.

Ingredients

  • 4 c. Milk
  • 1 c. white chocolate chips
  • 1 tsp. vanilla
  • Peppermint vodka
  • Whipped cream
  • Mini marshmallows
  • Candy canes

Instructions

  1. In a pot over medium heat, whisk together milk, white chocolate chips and vanilla.
  2. Simmer until heated chocolate is melted and heated through.
  3. Divide evenly among 4 mugs.
  4. Add 1-2 ounces of peppermint vodka to each drink and stir.
  5. Top with whipped cream, mini marshmallows and a candy cane.

Notes

To make this a non-alcoholic drink, omit the peppermint vodka and add a teaspoon of peppermint extract to the milk mixture while on the stove.

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Now you know how to make a delicious peppermint hot chocolate from scratch. Grab a bag of premium chocolate chips and make your own version. Let me know in the comments what toppings you would add to this indulgent drink.

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